Turn On. Tune In. Drop None.

Pain level: 5 for urethral pain.  Taking Uribel

Yes, I know.  I said I'd check back in after surgery.

Turns out that I was admitted to the hospital after my surgery because I began having bad chest pains in the recovery room.  I vaguely recall anything, really.  I sort of recall paramedics in the recovery area with me (surgery was done in Chesapeake Urology's Summit Surgery Center).  I don't recall being taken to St. Agnes' emergency room via paramedics (St. Agnes is just around the corner, in the same lot, as CU). I do recall moments of really bad chest pain.  I do recall being taken to my room once one was free. My chest felt like it does after a really back cold and cough; my ribs hurt.

Every test was done to make sure it was not a heart attack.  Everything came back, fine.  The final diagnosis was that I was in the prone position for a long time and it caused my chest muscles to hurt. Okay.  Whatever.  It hurt!

What I was not really expecting was how excruciating my incision would be. I recall getting up to use my bathroom and I nearly passed out.  I screamed and could not make it to my bed. I was released the following day after surgery, but that pain was so bad.  Then suddenly, it was better.  By day 4 post-op, the pain began to subside.  I still have some very minor incision pain, but that will also go away.

I saw Sondra today so that I could have my right InterStim turned back on.  Everything looks great.  I did have a lot of blood in my urine, though and I'm leaking a bit of urine.  It's either IC, or another infection.  I just stopped the Keflex that I took post-op.  Still, even Rob knows that this is just how I roll; I leave a sample, and BOOM; infection.   I began taking Hyophen last night because of some spasms.  We briefly talked about my surgery and what happened; she told me I scared the entire office, including Dr. Duncan.  Big time scared.  I was kind of scared, myself.

It takes a few days for the InterStim to work again, but I can't wait. This constant running to pee is really getting old.  I really got used to going 4 hours before I would have to go, again.  And the nights?  I miss sleeping through the night.  Getting up 4-5 times a night is ridiculous.

Sonda still wants me to think about taking Elmiron  It takes about six months for it to begin working.  It's expensive.  I could lose a lot of my hair.  BUT, it may actually help my bladder to heal.  We will see how the InterStim does for right now.

Until next time,

Here's to sweet, blessed sleep and no leaking!

Peace,

Mary